pipefish

noun

pipe·​fish ˈpīp-ˌfish How to pronounce pipefish (audio)
: any of various fishes (family Syngnathidae) that are related to the seahorses and have a tube-shaped snout and a long slender body covered with bony plates

Illustration of pipefish

Illustration of pipefish

Examples of pipefish in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Five Coral Sea pipefish have been caught since 1984, according to the study. Lauren Liebhaber july 9, Miami Herald, 9 July 2025 Dramatic sergeant major fish, angelfish, pipefish and flying gurnards share the water with charming manatees, elegant spotted eagle rays and green sea turtles. John Oseid, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025 Scientists say that sea dragons, sea horses and pipefish are the only animals on Earth whose males get pregnant and give birth. San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Jan. 2023 Male pipefish that were less interested in the pipefish mothers were less nurturing toward their young, investing fewer resources in them. Kristen Rogers, CNN, 19 June 2022 Well clearly because Aquaman would look stupid on a pipefish. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 29 Jan. 2011

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pipefish was in 1769

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pipefish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pipefish. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

pipefish

noun
pipe·​fish ˈpīp-ˌfish How to pronounce pipefish (audio)
: any of various long slender fishes that are related to the sea horses and have a tube-shaped snout and a body covered with bony plates

More from Merriam-Webster on pipefish

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!